It's a scam – local rental market hit by fraudsters

Islanders looking online for a place to rent in a booming property market are being exploited in various ways, but particularly wanting cash paid up front.

Jeff Guilbert, president of Guernsey Landlords Association, said it became aware of the problem when it was contacted by islanders who were suspicious about offers they had found online.

He said they had answered an advert for a rental property and were asked to pay a £500 deposit up front, before they had met the supposed landlord.

‘We advised them not to part with any money,’ said Mr Guilbert.

He had some advice for anyone in this situation.

‘First of all, you meet the person.’

In order to be sure that the person is genuine, he said prospective tenants should ask to take a photograph of them and tell them this is to ensure they are not a scammer.

‘If they say no, walk away.’

Other advice he said the association would give would be to read through the lease carefully and make sure any dispute could be dealt with by the Petty Debts Court rather than just by arbitration, which would be expensive.

Another situation he had come across was where someone had a lease that was not for the property they thought they were going to rent, so tenants needed to check these details, too.

One characteristic of a scam is that people want payment fast, but Mr Guilbert advised tenants to hold this back until they are sure about the property, or even lodge it with a third party, such as an estate agent, pending payment.

Guernsey Police said it was aware of the scam.

‘We have recently received reports of people falsely advertising properties online to rent,’ said a spokesperson.

‘Recent reports suggest that deposits will be paid into an account of a local advocacy firm, however the advocacy firm has confirmed no knowledge of this account.’

The police advise people to be on their guard when entering into a rental agreement for a property they see advertised on social media that is not connected to a local reputable letting agent.

‘We would also advise people not to pay any deposits unless they have met the owner of the property or a verified representative in person if it is a private let.’

A Trading Standards spokesman said that if an offer seemed too good to be true, it probably was.

‘If you are looking to rent a property ensure you use a known estate agent or a private landlord you know and trust, or with reliable recommendations,’ he said.

If someone wanted to find out the current owner of a property a copy of the deed can be purchased from the Greffe for a small fee.

n Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a scam should contact their bank immediately.

Guernsey Police can be contacted on 725111 or via fraud@guernsey.pnn.police.uk and trading standards is contactable at scams@gov.gg.